Germ cell tumour: late recurrence after 43 years

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2011 Jul;93(5):e24-6. doi: 10.1308/147870811X580442.

Abstract

We report the late relapse of a patient following 43 years of surveillance of a germ cell tumour, thought to be a pure seminoma, having undergone yolk sac differentiation. The longest previous recorded time to relapse was 32 years (malignant teratoma with adenocarcinoma de-differentiation).(1) This case report demonstrates a late relapse of a testicular germ cell tumour is possible whatever the initial stage. European Association of Urology guidelines state close and active follow-up is mandatory for at least five years' surveillance due to the high and often late rate of relapse. Furthermore, they also suggest continuing follow-up although it is unclear as to how long this should last.(7)

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Seminoma / secondary*
  • Testicular Neoplasms*
  • Time Factors